An extra €50m for public waiting lists with €20m of this going to the NTPF

A €5 cut in the monthly cap in prescription charges for the over. It will mean the per item charge will fall from €2.50 to €2 .Those on a lot of a medication will pay €20 a month, instead of €25.

€10 more for home care

10,000 children covered by domicilliary care allowance will get medical card

Extra €35m for mental health supports and services for school leavers with disabilities

The roll out of the meningitis B and rotavirus vaccine

Sugar tax on fizzy drinks in 2018

The Minister said: "This will allow real improvements for patients."

The reduction in the prescription charge measure was pushed through by Independent Alliance ministers, despite reluctance from health officials who will have to find around €13m from other sources next year.